103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2023 and 2024 SB2615 Introduced 10/24/2023, by Sen. Laura Fine SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED: 225 ILCS 50/3 from Ch. 111, par. 7403225 ILCS 50/4 from Ch. 111, par. 7404 225 ILCS 50/4.6225 ILCS 50/5 from Ch. 111, par. 7405225 ILCS 50/6 from Ch. 111, par. 7406225 ILCS 50/9 from Ch. 111, par. 7409 Amends the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act. Requires all hearing instruments offered for sale to be accompanied by a 30-business day return privilege. Requires the receipt or contract provided to the consumer to state that the consumer has a right to return the hearing instrument for a refund within 30 business days of the date of delivery. Provides that if a nonrefundable dispensing fee or restocking fee, or both, will be withheld from the consumer in event of return, the terms must be clearly stated on the receipt or contract provided to the consumer. Defines terms. Makes technical changes. Effective January 1, 2024. LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b A BILL FOR 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2023 and 2024 SB2615 Introduced 10/24/2023, by Sen. Laura Fine SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED: 225 ILCS 50/3 from Ch. 111, par. 7403225 ILCS 50/4 from Ch. 111, par. 7404 225 ILCS 50/4.6225 ILCS 50/5 from Ch. 111, par. 7405225 ILCS 50/6 from Ch. 111, par. 7406225 ILCS 50/9 from Ch. 111, par. 7409 225 ILCS 50/3 from Ch. 111, par. 7403 225 ILCS 50/4 from Ch. 111, par. 7404 225 ILCS 50/4.6 225 ILCS 50/5 from Ch. 111, par. 7405 225 ILCS 50/6 from Ch. 111, par. 7406 225 ILCS 50/9 from Ch. 111, par. 7409 Amends the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act. Requires all hearing instruments offered for sale to be accompanied by a 30-business day return privilege. Requires the receipt or contract provided to the consumer to state that the consumer has a right to return the hearing instrument for a refund within 30 business days of the date of delivery. Provides that if a nonrefundable dispensing fee or restocking fee, or both, will be withheld from the consumer in event of return, the terms must be clearly stated on the receipt or contract provided to the consumer. Defines terms. Makes technical changes. Effective January 1, 2024. LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b A BILL FOR 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2023 and 2024 SB2615 Introduced 10/24/2023, by Sen. Laura Fine SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED: 225 ILCS 50/3 from Ch. 111, par. 7403225 ILCS 50/4 from Ch. 111, par. 7404 225 ILCS 50/4.6225 ILCS 50/5 from Ch. 111, par. 7405225 ILCS 50/6 from Ch. 111, par. 7406225 ILCS 50/9 from Ch. 111, par. 7409 225 ILCS 50/3 from Ch. 111, par. 7403 225 ILCS 50/4 from Ch. 111, par. 7404 225 ILCS 50/4.6 225 ILCS 50/5 from Ch. 111, par. 7405 225 ILCS 50/6 from Ch. 111, par. 7406 225 ILCS 50/9 from Ch. 111, par. 7409 225 ILCS 50/3 from Ch. 111, par. 7403 225 ILCS 50/4 from Ch. 111, par. 7404 225 ILCS 50/4.6 225 ILCS 50/5 from Ch. 111, par. 7405 225 ILCS 50/6 from Ch. 111, par. 7406 225 ILCS 50/9 from Ch. 111, par. 7409 Amends the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act. Requires all hearing instruments offered for sale to be accompanied by a 30-business day return privilege. Requires the receipt or contract provided to the consumer to state that the consumer has a right to return the hearing instrument for a refund within 30 business days of the date of delivery. Provides that if a nonrefundable dispensing fee or restocking fee, or both, will be withheld from the consumer in event of return, the terms must be clearly stated on the receipt or contract provided to the consumer. Defines terms. Makes technical changes. Effective January 1, 2024. LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b A BILL FOR SB2615LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 AN ACT concerning regulation. 2 Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, 3 represented in the General Assembly: 4 Section 5. The Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act 5 is amended by changing Section 3, 4, 4.6, 5, 6, and 9 as 6 follows: 7 (225 ILCS 50/3) (from Ch. 111, par. 7403) 8 (Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-495) 9 (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026) 10 Sec. 3. Definitions. As used in this Act, except as the 11 context requires otherwise: 12 "Department" means the Department of Public Health. 13 "Director" means the Director of the Department of Public 14 Health. 15 "License" means a license issued by the State under this 16 Act to a hearing instrument dispenser. 17 "Licensed audiologist" means a person licensed as an 18 audiologist under the Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and 19 Audiology Practice Act. 20 "National Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist" 21 means a person who has had at least 2 years in practice as a 22 licensed hearing instrument dispenser and has been certified 23 after qualification by examination by the National Board for 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2023 and 2024 SB2615 Introduced 10/24/2023, by Sen. Laura Fine SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED: 225 ILCS 50/3 from Ch. 111, par. 7403225 ILCS 50/4 from Ch. 111, par. 7404 225 ILCS 50/4.6225 ILCS 50/5 from Ch. 111, par. 7405225 ILCS 50/6 from Ch. 111, par. 7406225 ILCS 50/9 from Ch. 111, par. 7409 225 ILCS 50/3 from Ch. 111, par. 7403 225 ILCS 50/4 from Ch. 111, par. 7404 225 ILCS 50/4.6 225 ILCS 50/5 from Ch. 111, par. 7405 225 ILCS 50/6 from Ch. 111, par. 7406 225 ILCS 50/9 from Ch. 111, par. 7409 225 ILCS 50/3 from Ch. 111, par. 7403 225 ILCS 50/4 from Ch. 111, par. 7404 225 ILCS 50/4.6 225 ILCS 50/5 from Ch. 111, par. 7405 225 ILCS 50/6 from Ch. 111, par. 7406 225 ILCS 50/9 from Ch. 111, par. 7409 Amends the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act. Requires all hearing instruments offered for sale to be accompanied by a 30-business day return privilege. Requires the receipt or contract provided to the consumer to state that the consumer has a right to return the hearing instrument for a refund within 30 business days of the date of delivery. Provides that if a nonrefundable dispensing fee or restocking fee, or both, will be withheld from the consumer in event of return, the terms must be clearly stated on the receipt or contract provided to the consumer. Defines terms. Makes technical changes. Effective January 1, 2024. LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b A BILL FOR 225 ILCS 50/3 from Ch. 111, par. 7403 225 ILCS 50/4 from Ch. 111, par. 7404 225 ILCS 50/4.6 225 ILCS 50/5 from Ch. 111, par. 7405 225 ILCS 50/6 from Ch. 111, par. 7406 225 ILCS 50/9 from Ch. 111, par. 7409 LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 2 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 2 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 2 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 Certification in Hearing Instruments Sciences. 2 "Licensed physician" or "physician" means a physician 3 licensed in Illinois to practice medicine in all of its 4 branches pursuant to the Medical Practice Act of 1987. 5 "Trainee" means a person who is licensed to perform the 6 functions of a hearing instrument dispenser in accordance with 7 the Department rules and only under the direct supervision of 8 a hearing instrument dispenser or audiologist who is licensed 9 in the State. 10 "Board" means the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection 11 Board. 12 "Hearing instrument" or "hearing aid" means any wearable 13 instrument or device designed for or offered for the purpose 14 of aiding or compensating for impaired human hearing and that 15 can provide more than 15 dB full on gain via a 2cc coupler at 16 any single frequency from 200 through 6000 cycles per second, 17 and any parts, attachments, or accessories, including ear 18 molds. "Hearing instrument" or "hearing aid" do not include 19 batteries, cords, or group auditory training devices and any 20 instrument or device used by a public utility in providing 21 telephone or other communication services are excluded. 22 "Practice of fitting, dispensing, or servicing of hearing 23 instruments" means the measurement of human hearing with an 24 audiometer, calibrated to the current American National 25 Standard Institute standards, for the purpose of making 26 selections, recommendations, adaptions, services, or sales of SB2615 - 2 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 3 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 3 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 3 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 hearing instruments including the making of earmolds as a part 2 of the hearing instrument. 3 "Sell" or "sale" means any transfer of title or of the 4 right to use by lease, bailment, or any other contract, 5 excluding wholesale transactions with distributors or dealers. 6 "Hearing instrument dispenser" means a person who is a 7 hearing care professional that engages in the selling, 8 practice of fitting, selecting, recommending, dispensing, or 9 servicing of hearing instruments or the testing for means of 10 hearing instrument selection or who advertises or displays a 11 sign or represents himself or herself as a person who 12 practices the testing, fitting, selecting, servicing, 13 dispensing, or selling of hearing instruments. 14 "Fund" means the Hearing Instrument Dispenser Examining 15 and Disciplinary Fund. 16 "Hearing care professional" means a person who is a 17 licensed audiologist, a licensed hearing instrument dispenser, 18 or a licensed physician. 19 (Source: P.A. 98-362, eff. 8-16-13; 98-827, eff. 1-1-15.) 20 (Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-495) 21 (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026) 22 Sec. 3. Definitions. As used in this Act, except as the 23 context requires otherwise: 24 "Department" means the Department of Public Health. 25 "Director" means the Director of the Department of Public SB2615 - 3 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 4 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 4 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 4 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 Health. 2 "Direct supervision" means the final approval given by the 3 licensed hearing instrument professional to all work performed 4 by the person under supervision and that the licensed hearing 5 instrument professional is physically present in the facility 6 any time the person under supervision has contact with a 7 client. "Direct supervision" does not mean that the licensed 8 hearing instrument professional is in the same room when the 9 person under supervision has contact with the client. 10 "Federal Trade Commission" means the United States federal 11 agency which regulates business practices and commerce. 12 "Food and Drug Administration" means the United States 13 federal agency which regulates hearing instruments or hearing 14 aids as medical devices. 15 "License" means a license issued by the State under this 16 Act to a hearing instrument dispenser. 17 "Licensed audiologist" means a person licensed as an 18 audiologist under the Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and 19 Audiology Practice Act and who can prescribe hearing aids in 20 accordance with this Act. 21 "National Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist" 22 means a person who has had at least 2 years in practice as a 23 licensed hearing instrument dispenser and has been certified 24 after qualification by examination by the National Board for 25 Certification in Hearing Instruments Sciences. 26 "Licensed physician" or "physician" means a physician SB2615 - 4 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 5 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 5 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 5 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 licensed in Illinois to practice medicine in all of its 2 branches pursuant to the Medical Practice Act of 1987. 3 "Trainee" means a person who is licensed to perform the 4 functions of a hearing instrument dispenser or audiologist in 5 accordance with the Department rules and only under the direct 6 supervision of a hearing instrument dispenser or audiologist 7 who is licensed in the State. 8 "Board" means the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection 9 Board. 10 "Hearing instrument" or "hearing aid" means any instrument 11 or device, including an instrument or device dispensed 12 pursuant to a prescription, that is designed, intended, or 13 offered for the purpose of improving a person's hearing and 14 any parts, attachments, or accessories, including earmolds. 15 "Hearing instrument" or "hearing aid" does not include 16 batteries, cords, and individual or group auditory training 17 devices and any instrument or device used by a public utility 18 in providing telephone or other communication services. 19 "Involvement of a licensed hearing professional person" 20 refers to the supervision supervisor, prescription or other 21 order, involvement, or interaction by a licensed hearing 22 instrument professional. 23 "Practice of prescribing, fitting, dispensing, or 24 servicing of prescription hearing aids" means the measurement 25 of human hearing with an audiometer, calibrated to the current 26 American National Standard Institute standards, for the SB2615 - 5 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 6 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 6 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 6 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 purpose of prescribing hearing aids and making selections, 2 recommendations, adaptions, services, or sales of hearing aids 3 including the making of earmolds as a part of the hearing aid. 4 "Sell" or "sale" means any transfer of title or of the 5 right to use by lease, bailment, or any other contract, 6 excluding wholesale transactions with distributors or dealers. 7 "Hearing instrument dispenser" means a person who is a 8 hearing instrument professional that engages in the selling, 9 practice of fitting, selecting, recommending, dispensing, 10 prescribing, or servicing of prescription hearing aids or the 11 testing for means of hearing aid selection or who advertises 12 or displays a sign or represents himself or herself as a person 13 who practices the testing, fitting, selecting, servicing, 14 dispensing, prescribing, or selling of prescription hearing 15 aids. 16 "Fund" means the Hearing Instrument Dispenser Examining 17 and Disciplinary Fund. 18 "Hearing instrument professional" means a person who is a 19 licensed audiologist, a licensed hearing instrument dispenser, 20 or a licensed physician. 21 "Over-the-counter hearing aid" means any instrument or 22 device that: 23 (1) uses the same fundamental scientific technology as 24 air conduction hearing aids, as defined in 21 CFR 25 874.3300, or wireless air conduction hearing aids, as 26 defined in 21 CFR 874.3305; SB2615 - 6 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 7 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 7 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 7 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 (2) is intended to be used by adults age 18 and older 2 to compensate for perceived mild to moderate hearing 3 impairment; 4 (3) through tools, tests, or software, allows the user 5 to control the over-the-counter hearing aid and customize 6 it to the user's hearing needs; 7 (4) may use wireless technology or include tests for 8 self-assessment of hearing loss; and 9 (5) is available over-the-counter, without the 10 supervision, prescription, or other order, involvement, or 11 intervention of a licensed person, to consumers through 12 in-person transactions, by mail, or online. 13 "Over-the-counter hearing aid" does not include batteries, 14 cords, and individual or group auditory training devices or 15 any instrument or device used by a public utility in providing 16 telephone or other communication services. 17 "Personal sound amplification product" means an 18 amplification device, as defined by the Food and Drug 19 Administration or the Federal Trade Commission, that is not 20 labeled as a hearing aid and is not intended to treat hearing 21 loss. 22 "Prescribe" means an order for a prescription hearing aid 23 issued by a licensed hearing instrument professional. 24 "Prescription hearing aid" means any wearable instrument 25 or device designed, intended, or offered for the purpose of 26 improving a person's hearing that may only be obtained with SB2615 - 7 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 8 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 8 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 8 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 the involvement of a licensed hearing instrument professional. 2 (Source: P.A. 103-495, eff. 1-1-24.) 3 (225 ILCS 50/4) (from Ch. 111, par. 7404) 4 (Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-495) 5 (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026) 6 Sec. 4. Disclosure; waiver; complaints; insurance. The 7 hearing instrument dispenser shall give at no charge to every 8 person fitted and sold a hearing instrument the "User 9 Instructional Brochure", supplied by the hearing instrument 10 manufacturer containing information required by the U.S. Food 11 and Drug Administration. 12 Whenever a sale or service of one or more hearing 13 instrument involving $50 or more is made or contracted to be 14 made, whether under a single contract or under multiple 15 contracts, at the time of the transaction, the hearing 16 instrument dispenser shall furnish the consumer with a fully 17 completed receipt or contract pertaining to that transaction, 18 in substantially the same language as that used in the oral 19 presentation to the consumer. The receipt or contract provided 20 to the consumer shall contain the dispenser's name, license 21 number, business address, business phone number, and 22 signature; the name, address, and signature of the hearing 23 instrument consumer; and the name and signature of the 24 purchaser if the consumer and the purchaser are not the same; 25 the hearing instrument manufacturer's name, and the model and SB2615 - 8 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 9 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 9 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 9 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 serial numbers; the date of purchase; and the charges required 2 to complete the terms of the sale fully and clearly stated. 3 When the hearing instrument is delivered to the consumer or 4 purchaser, the serial number shall be written on the original 5 receipt or contract and a copy shall be given to the consumer 6 or purchaser. If a used hearing instrument is sold, the 7 receipt and the container thereof shall be clearly marked as 8 "used" or "reconditioned", whichever is applicable, with terms 9 of guarantee, if any. 10 All hearing instruments offered for sale must be 11 accompanied by a 30-business day return privilege. The receipt 12 or contract provided to the consumer shall state that the 13 consumer has a right to return the hearing instrument for a 14 refund within 30 business days of the date of delivery. If a 15 nonrefundable dispensing fee or restocking fee, or both, will 16 be withheld from the consumer in event of return, the terms 17 must be clearly stated on the receipt or contract provided to 18 the consumer. 19 A hearing instrument dispenser shall not sell a hearing 20 instrument unless the prospective user has presented to the 21 hearing instrument dispenser a written statement, signed by a 22 licensed physician, which states that the patient's hearing 23 loss has been medically evaluated and the patient is 24 considered a candidate for a hearing instrument. The medical 25 evaluation must have taken place within the 6 months 26 immediately preceding the date of the sale of the hearing SB2615 - 9 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 10 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 10 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 10 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 instrument to the prospective hearing instrument user. If the 2 prospective hearing instrument user is 18 years of age or 3 older, the hearing instrument dispenser may afford the 4 prospective user an opportunity to waive the medical 5 evaluation required by this Section, provided that the hearing 6 instrument dispenser: 7 (i) Informs the prospective user that the exercise of 8 a waiver is not in the user's best health interest; 9 (ii) Does not in any way actively encourage the 10 prospective user to waive the medical evaluation; and 11 (iii) Affords the prospective user the option to sign 12 the following statement: 13 "I have been advised by .................(hearing 14 instrument dispenser's name) that the Food and Drug 15 Administration has determined that my best interest 16 would be served if I had a medical evaluation by a 17 licensed physician (preferably a physician who 18 specializes in diseases of the ear) before purchasing 19 a hearing instrument. I do not wish a medical 20 evaluation before purchasing a hearing instrument." 21 The hearing instrument dispenser or his or her employer 22 shall retain proof of the medical examination or the waiver 23 for at least 3 years from the date of the sale. 24 If the parent or guardian of any individual under the age 25 of 18 years is a member of any church or religious 26 denomination, whose tenets and practices include reliance upon SB2615 - 10 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 11 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 11 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 11 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 spiritual means through prayer alone and objects to medical 2 treatment and so states in writing to the hearing instrument 3 dispenser, such individual shall undergo a hearing examination 4 as provided by this Section but no proof, ruling out any 5 medically treatable problem causing hearing loss, shall be 6 required. 7 All persons licensed under this Act shall have 8 conspicuously displayed in their business establishment a sign 9 indicating that formal complaints regarding hearing instrument 10 goods or services may be made to the Department. Such sign 11 shall give the address and telephone number of the Department. 12 All persons purchasing hearing instruments shall be provided 13 with a written statement indicating that formal complaints 14 regarding hearing instrument goods or services may be made to 15 the Department and disclosing the address and telephone number 16 of the Department. 17 Any person wishing to make a complaint, against a hearing 18 instrument dispenser under this Act, shall file it with the 19 Department within 3 years from the date of the action upon 20 which the complaint is based. The Department shall investigate 21 all such complaints. 22 All persons licensed under this Act shall maintain 23 liability insurance as set forth by rule and shall be 24 responsible for the annual calibration of all audiometers in 25 use by such persons. Such annual calibrations shall be in 26 conformance with the current standards set by American SB2615 - 11 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 12 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 12 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 12 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 National Standard Institute. 2 (Source: P.A. 91-932, eff. 1-1-01.) 3 (Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-495) 4 (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026) 5 Sec. 4. Disclosure; complaints; insurance. The hearing 6 instrument professional shall give at no charge to every 7 person fitted and sold a hearing aid the "User Instructional 8 Brochure", supplied by the hearing aid manufacturer containing 9 information required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 10 All hearing instruments or hearing aids must be dispensed 11 or sold in accordance with Food and Drug Administration and 12 Federal Trade Commission regulations governing the dispensing 13 and sale of personal sound amplification products or hearing 14 aids. 15 A consumer who purchases an over-the-counter hearing aid 16 must be provided a sales receipt at the time of the 17 transaction. 18 Whenever a sale of one or more prescription hearing aids 19 involving $50 or more is made or contracted to be made, whether 20 under a single contract or under multiple contracts, at the 21 time of the transaction, the hearing instrument professional 22 shall furnish the consumer with a fully completed receipt or 23 contract pertaining to that transaction, in substantially the 24 same language as that used in the oral presentation to the 25 consumer. The receipt or contract provided to the consumer SB2615 - 12 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 13 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 13 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 13 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 shall contain (i) the hearing instrument professional's name, 2 license number, business address, business phone number, and 3 signature; (ii) the name, address, and signature of the 4 hearing instrument consumer; (iii) the name and signature of 5 the purchaser if the consumer and the purchaser are not the 6 same person; (iv) the hearing aid manufacturer's name, and the 7 model and serial numbers; (v) the date of purchase; and (vi) 8 the charges required to complete the terms of the sale, which 9 must be fully and clearly stated. When the hearing aid is 10 delivered to the consumer or purchaser, the serial number 11 shall be written on the original receipt or contract and a copy 12 shall be given to the consumer or purchaser. If a used hearing 13 instrument is sold, the receipt and the container thereof 14 shall be clearly marked as "used" or "reconditioned", 15 whichever is applicable, with terms of guarantee, if any. 16 The hearing instrument professional or the professional's 17 employer shall retain proof of the medical examination for at 18 least 3 years from the date of the sale. 19 All hearing instruments offered for sale must be 20 accompanied by a 30-business day return privilege. The receipt 21 or contract provided to the consumer shall state that the 22 consumer has a right to return the hearing instrument for a 23 refund within 30 business days of the date of delivery. If a 24 nonrefundable dispensing fee or restocking fee, or both, will 25 be withheld from the consumer in event of return, the terms 26 must be clearly stated on the receipt or contract provided to SB2615 - 13 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 14 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 14 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 14 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 the consumer. For purposes of this paragraph, "business day" 2 means any calendar day except Saturday, Sunday, or a federal 3 holiday. 4 If the parent or guardian of any individual age 17 or under 5 is a member of any church or religious denomination, whose 6 tenets and practices include reliance upon spiritual means 7 through prayer alone and objects to medical treatment and so 8 states in writing to the hearing instrument professional, such 9 individual shall undergo a hearing examination as provided by 10 this Section but no proof, ruling out any medically treatable 11 problem causing hearing loss, shall be required. 12 All persons licensed under this Act shall have 13 conspicuously displayed in their business establishment a sign 14 indicating that formal complaints regarding hearing aid goods 15 or services may be made to the Department. Such sign shall give 16 the address and telephone number of the Department. All 17 persons purchasing hearing aids shall be provided with a 18 written statement indicating that formal complaints regarding 19 hearing aid goods or services may be made to the Department and 20 disclosing the address and telephone number of the Department. 21 Any person wishing to make a complaint, against a hearing 22 instrument professional under this Act, shall file it with the 23 Department within 3 years from the date of the action upon 24 which the complaint is based. The Department shall investigate 25 all such complaints. 26 All persons licensed under this Act shall maintain SB2615 - 14 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 15 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 15 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 15 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 liability insurance as set forth by rule and shall be 2 responsible for the annual calibration of all audiometers in 3 use by such persons. Such annual calibrations shall be in 4 conformance with the current standards set by American 5 National Standard Institute. 6 (Source: P.A. 103-495, eff. 1-1-24.) 7 (225 ILCS 50/4.6) 8 (This Section may contain text from a Public Act with a 9 delayed effective date) 10 (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026) 11 Sec. 4.6. Prescription hearing aids for persons age 18 or 12 older. 13 (a) A hearing instrument professional may dispense a 14 hearing aid to a person age 18 or older in accordance with the 15 requirements of this Section. 16 (b) A person age 18 or older must be evaluated by a hearing 17 instrument professional in person or via telehealth before 18 receiving a prescription for a hearing aid. A person age 18 or 19 older may not waive evaluation by a hearing instrument 20 professional unless he or she is replacing a lost or stolen 21 hearing aid that is subject to warranty replacement. 22 (c) A hearing instrument professional shall not sell 23 prescription hearing aid to anyone age 18 or older if the 24 prospective user had a negative finding on the Consumer Ear 25 Disease Risk Assessment or a similar standardized assessment. SB2615 - 15 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 16 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 16 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 16 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 The prospective user who had a negative finding on the 2 Consumer Ear Disease Risk Assessment or similar standardized 3 assessment shall present to the hearing instrument 4 professional a written statement, signed by a licensed 5 physician, which states that the patient's hearing loss has 6 been medically evaluated and the patient is considered a 7 candidate for a prescription hearing aid. The medical 8 evaluation must have been performed within the 12 months 9 immediately preceding the date of the sale of the hearing aid 10 to the prospective hearing aid user. 11 (d) A hearing aid prescription for individuals age 18 or 12 older must include, at a minimum, the following information: 13 (1) name of the patient; 14 (2) date the prescription is issued; 15 (3) expiration date of the prescription, which may not 16 exceed one year from the date of issuance; 17 (4) name and license number of the prescribing hearing 18 instrument professional; 19 (5) results of the following assessments: 20 (A) hearing handicap inventory or similar 21 standardized, evidence-based tool; 22 (B) pure-tone air conduction audiometry; 23 (C) bone conduction testing or consumer ear 24 disease risk assessment or a similar standardized 25 evidence-based tool; 26 (D) recorded speech in quiet, as medically SB2615 - 16 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 17 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 17 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 17 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 appropriate; 2 (E) recorded speech or digits in noise, as 3 medically medical appropriate; 4 (6) documentation of type and style of hearing aid; 5 and 6 (7) documentation of medical necessity of the 7 recommended features of a hearing aid. 8 (Source: P.A. 103-495, eff. 1-1-24.) 9 (225 ILCS 50/5) (from Ch. 111, par. 7405) 10 (Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-495) 11 (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026) 12 Sec. 5. License required. No person shall engage in the 13 selling, practice of testing, fitting, selecting, 14 recommending, adapting, dispensing, or servicing hearing 15 instruments or display a sign, advertise, or represent oneself 16 as a person who practices the fitting or selling of hearing 17 instruments unless such person holds a current license issued 18 by the Department as provided in this Act. Such person shall be 19 known as a licensed hearing instrument dispenser. Individuals 20 licensed pursuant to the provisions of Section 8 of this Act 21 shall be deemed qualified to provide tests of human hearing 22 and hearing instrument evaluations for the purpose of 23 dispensing a hearing instrument for which any State agency may 24 contract. The license shall be conspicuously displayed in the 25 place of business. Duplicate licenses shall be issued by the SB2615 - 17 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 18 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 18 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 18 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 Department to licensees operating more than one office upon 2 the additional payment set forth in this Act. No hearing 3 instrument manufacturer may distribute, sell, or otherwise 4 provide hearing instruments to any unlicensed hearing care 5 professional for the purpose of selling hearing instruments to 6 the consumer. 7 Except for violations of the provisions of this Act, or 8 the rules promulgated under it, nothing in this Act shall 9 prohibit a corporation, partnership, trust, association, or 10 other entity from engaging in the business of testing, 11 fitting, servicing, selecting, dispensing, selling, or 12 offering for sale hearing instruments at retail without a 13 license, provided it employs only licensed individuals in the 14 direct testing, fitting, servicing, selecting, offering for 15 sale, or dispensing of such products. Each such corporation, 16 partnership, trust, association, or other entity shall file 17 with the Department, prior to doing business in this State and 18 by July 1 of each calendar year thereafter, on forms 19 prescribed by the Department, a list of all licensed hearing 20 instrument dispensers employed by it and a statement attesting 21 that it complies with this Act and the rules promulgated under 22 it and the regulations of the Federal Food and Drug 23 Administration and the Federal Trade Commission insofar as 24 they are applicable. 25 (Source: P.A. 99-204, eff. 7-30-15.) SB2615 - 18 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 19 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 19 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 19 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 (Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-495) 2 (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026) 3 Sec. 5. License required. No person shall engage in the 4 selling, practice of testing, fitting, selecting, 5 recommending, adapting, dispensing, or servicing hearing aids 6 or display a sign, advertise, or represent oneself as a person 7 who practices the fitting or selling of hearing aids unless 8 such person holds a current license issued by the Department 9 as provided in this Act. Such person shall be known as a 10 licensed hearing instrument dispenser. Individuals licensed 11 pursuant to the provisions of Section 8 of this Act shall be 12 deemed qualified to provide tests of human hearing and hearing 13 aid evaluations for the purpose of dispensing a hearing aid 14 for which any State agency may contract. The license shall be 15 conspicuously displayed in the place of business. Duplicate 16 licenses shall be issued by the Department to licensees 17 operating more than one office upon the additional payment set 18 forth in this Act. No hearing aids manufacturer may 19 distribute, sell, or otherwise provide hearing aids to any 20 unlicensed hearing instrument professional for the purpose of 21 selling hearing aids to the consumer. 22 Except for violations of the provisions of this Act, or 23 the rules promulgated under it, nothing in this Act shall 24 prohibit a corporation, partnership, trust, association, or 25 other entity from engaging in the business of testing, 26 fitting, servicing, selecting, dispensing, selling, or SB2615 - 19 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 20 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 20 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 20 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 offering for sale hearing aids aid at retail without a 2 license, provided it employs only licensed individuals in the 3 direct testing, fitting, servicing, selecting, offering for 4 sale, or dispensing of such products. Each such corporation, 5 partnership, trust, association, or other entity shall file 6 with the Department, prior to doing business in this State and 7 by July 1 of each calendar year thereafter, on forms 8 prescribed by the Department, a list of all licensed hearing 9 instrument dispensers employed by it and a statement attesting 10 that it complies with this Act and the rules promulgated under 11 it and the regulations of the Federal Food and Drug 12 Administration and the Federal Trade Commission insofar as 13 they are applicable. 14 (Source: P.A. 103-495, eff. 1-1-24.) 15 (225 ILCS 50/6) (from Ch. 111, par. 7406) 16 (Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-495) 17 (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026) 18 Sec. 6. Mail order and Internet sales. Nothing in this Act 19 shall prohibit a corporation, partnership, trust, association, 20 or other organization, maintaining an established business 21 address, from engaging in the business of selling or offering 22 for sale hearing instruments at retail by mail or by Internet 23 to persons 18 years of age or older who have not been examined 24 by a licensed physician or tested by a licensed hearing 25 instrument dispenser provided that: SB2615 - 20 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 21 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 21 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 21 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 (a) The organization is registered by the Department prior 2 to engaging in business in this State and has paid the fee set 3 forth in this Act. 4 (b) The organization files with the Department, prior to 5 registration and annually thereafter, a Disclosure Statement 6 containing the following: 7 (1) the name under which the organization is doing or 8 intends to do business and the name of any affiliated 9 company which the organization recommends or will 10 recommend to persons as a supplier of goods or services or 11 in connection with other business transactions of the 12 organization; 13 (2) the organization's principal business address and 14 the name and address of its agent in this State authorized 15 to receive service of process; 16 (3) the business form of the organization, whether 17 corporate, partnership, or otherwise and the state or 18 other sovereign power under which the organization is 19 organized; 20 (4) the names of the directors or persons performing 21 similar functions and names and addresses of the chief 22 executive officer, and the financial, accounting, sales, 23 and other principal executive officers, if the 24 organization is a corporation, association, or other 25 similar entity; of all general partners, if the 26 organization is a partnership; and of the owner, if the SB2615 - 21 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 22 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 22 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 22 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 organization is a sole proprietorship, together with a 2 statement of the business background during the past 5 3 years for each such person; 4 (5) a statement as to whether the organization or any 5 person identified in the disclosure statement: 6 (i) has during the 5 year period immediately 7 preceding the date of the disclosure statement been 8 convicted of a felony, pleaded nolo contendere to a 9 felony charge, or been held liable in a civil action by 10 final judgment, if such felony or civil action 11 involved fraud, embezzlement, or misappropriation of 12 property, and a description thereof; or 13 (ii) is subject to any currently effective 14 injunctive or restrictive order as a result of a 15 proceeding or pending action brought by any government 16 agency or department, and a description thereof; or 17 (iii) is a defendant in any pending criminal or 18 material civil action relating to fraud, embezzlement, 19 misappropriation of property or violations of the 20 antitrust or trade regulation laws of the United 21 States or any state, and a description thereof; or 22 (iv) has during the 5 year period immediately 23 preceding the date of the disclosure statement had 24 entered against such person or organization a final 25 judgment in any material civil proceeding, and a 26 description thereof; or SB2615 - 22 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 23 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 23 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 23 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 (v) has during the 5 year period immediately 2 preceding the date of the disclosure statement been 3 adjudicated a bankrupt or reorganized due to 4 insolvency or was a principal executive officer or 5 general partner of any company that has been 6 adjudicated a bankrupt or reorganized due to 7 insolvency during such 5 year period, and a 8 description thereof; 9 (6) the length of time the organization and any 10 predecessor of the organization has conducted a business 11 dealing with hearing instrument goods or services; 12 (7) a financial statement of the organization as of 13 the close of the most recent fiscal year of the 14 organization. If the financial statement is filed later 15 than 120 days following the close of the fiscal year of the 16 organization it must be accompanied by a statement of the 17 organization of any material changes in the financial 18 condition of the organization; 19 (8) a general description of the business, including 20 without limitation a description of the goods, training 21 programs, supervision, advertising, promotion and other 22 services provided by the organization; 23 (9) a statement of any compensation or other benefit 24 given or promised to a public figure arising, in whole or 25 in part, from (i) the use of the public figure in the name 26 or symbol of the organization or (ii) the endorsement or SB2615 - 23 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 24 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 24 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 24 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 recommendation of the organization by the public figure in 2 advertisements; 3 (10) a statement setting forth such additional 4 information and such comments and explanations relative to 5 the information contained in the disclosure statement as 6 the organization may desire to present. 7 (b-5) If a device being sold does not meet the definition 8 of a hearing instrument or hearing device as stated in this 9 Act, the organization shall include a disclaimer in all 10 written or electronic promotions. The disclaimer shall include 11 the following language: 12 "This is not a hearing instrument or hearing aid as 13 defined in the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act, 14 but a personal amplifier and not intended to replace a 15 properly fitted and calibrated hearing instrument.". 16 (c) The organization files with the Department prior to 17 registration and annually thereafter a statement that it 18 complies with the Act, the rules issued pursuant to it, and the 19 regulations of the Federal Food and Drug Administration and 20 the Federal Trade Commission insofar as they are applicable. 21 (d) The organization files with the Department at the time 22 of registration an irrevocable consent to service of process 23 authorizing the Department and any of its successors to be 24 served any notice, process, or pleading in any action or 25 proceeding against the organization arising out of or in 26 connection with any violation of this Act. Such service shall SB2615 - 24 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 25 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 25 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 25 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 have the effect of conferring personal jurisdiction over such 2 organization in any court of competent jurisdiction. 3 (e) Before dispensing a hearing instrument to a resident 4 of this State, the organization informs the prospective users 5 that they need the following for proper fitting of a hearing 6 instrument: 7 (1) the results of an audiogram performed within the 8 past 6 months by a licensed audiologist or a licensed 9 hearing instrument dispenser; and 10 (2) an earmold impression obtained from the 11 prospective user and taken by a licensed hearing 12 instrument dispenser or licensed audiologist. 13 (f) The prospective user receives a medical evaluation or 14 the organization affords the prospective user an opportunity 15 to waive the medical evaluation requirement of Section 4 of 16 this Act and the testing requirement of subsection (z) of 17 Section 18, provided that the organization: 18 (1) informs the prospective user that the exercise of 19 the waiver is not in the user's best health interest; 20 (2) does not in any way actively encourage the 21 prospective user to waive the medical evaluation or test; 22 and 23 (3) affords the prospective user the option to sign 24 the following statement: 25 "I have been advised by .......... (hearing 26 instrument dispenser's name) that the Food and Drug SB2615 - 25 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 26 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 26 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 26 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 Administration and the State of Illinois have 2 determined that my best interest would be served if I 3 had a medical evaluation by a licensed physician, 4 preferably a physician who specialized in diseases of 5 the ear, before purchasing a hearing instrument; or a 6 test by a licensed audiologist or licensed hearing 7 instrument dispenser utilizing established procedures 8 and instrumentation in the fitting of hearing 9 instruments. I do not wish either a medical evaluation 10 or test before purchasing a hearing instrument." 11 (g) Where a sale, lease, or rental of hearing instruments 12 is sold or contracted to be sold to a consumer by mail order, 13 the consumer may void the contract or sale by notifying the 14 seller within 45 business days following that day on which the 15 hearing instruments were mailed by the seller to the consumer 16 and by returning to the seller in its original condition any 17 hearing instrument delivered to the consumer under the 18 contract or sale. At the time the hearing instrument is 19 mailed, the seller shall furnish the consumer with a fully 20 completed receipt or copy of any contract pertaining to the 21 sale that contains a "Notice of Cancellation" informing the 22 consumer that he or she may cancel the sale at any time within 23 45 business days and disclosing the date of the mailing and the 24 name, address, and telephone number of the seller. In 25 immediate proximity to the space reserved in the contract for 26 the signature of the consumer, or on the front page of the SB2615 - 26 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 27 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 27 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 27 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 receipt if a contract is not used, and in bold face type of a 2 minimum size of 10 points, there shall be a statement in 3 substantially the following form: 4 "You, the buyer, may cancel this transaction at any 5 time prior to midnight of the 45th business day after the 6 date of this transaction. See the attached notice of 7 cancellation form for an explanation of this right." 8 Attached to the receipt or contract shall be a completed 9 form in duplicate, captioned "NOTICE OF CANCELLATION" which 10 shall be easily detachable and which shall contain in at least 11 10 point bold face type the following information and 12 statements in the same language as that used in the contract: 13 "NOTICE OF CANCELLATION 14 enter date of transaction 15 ......................... 16 (DATE) 17 YOU MAY CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION, WITHOUT ANY PENALTY OR 18 OBLIGATION, WITHIN 45 BUSINESS DAYS FROM THE ABOVE DATE. 19 IF YOU CANCEL, ANY PROPERTY TRADED IN, ANY PAYMENTS MADE 20 BY YOU UNDER THE CONTRACT OR SALE LESS ANY NONREFUNDABLE 21 RESTOCKING FEE, AND ANY NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENT EXECUTED BY YOU 22 WILL BE RETURNED WITHIN 10 BUSINESS DAYS FOLLOWING RECEIPT BY 23 THE SELLER OF YOUR CANCELLATION NOTICE AND ALL MERCHANDISE 24 PERTAINING TO THIS TRANSACTION, AND ANY SECURITY INTEREST 25 ARISING OUT OF THE TRANSACTION WILL BE CANCELLED. 26 IF YOU CANCEL, YOU MUST RETURN TO THE SELLER, IN SB2615 - 27 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 28 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 28 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 28 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 SUBSTANTIALLY AS GOOD CONDITION AS WHEN RECEIVED, ANY GOODS 2 DELIVERED TO YOU UNDER THIS CONTRACT OR SALE. 3 TO CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION, MAIL OR DELIVER A SIGNED 4 AND DATED COPY OF THIS CANCELLATION NOTICE OR ANY OTHER 5 WRITTEN NOTICE, OR SEND A TELEGRAM, TO (name of seller), 6 AT (address of seller's place of business) AND (seller's 7 telephone number) NO LATER THAN MIDNIGHT OF 8 ...........(date). 9 I HEREBY CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION. 10 (Date)............ 11 .................. 12 (Buyers Signature)" 13 The written "Notice of Cancellation" may be sent by the 14 consumer to the seller to cancel the contract. The 45-day 15 period does not commence until the consumer is furnished the 16 Notice of Cancellation and the address and phone number at 17 which such notice to the seller can be given. 18 If the conditions of this Section are met, the seller must 19 return to the consumer the amount of any payment made or 20 consideration given under the contract or for the merchandise 21 less a nonrefundable restocking fee. 22 It is an unlawful practice for a seller to: (1) hold a 23 consumer responsible for any liability or obligation under any 24 mail order transaction if the consumer claims not to have 25 received the merchandise unless the merchandise was sent by 26 certified mail or other delivery method by which the seller is SB2615 - 28 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 29 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 29 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 29 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 provided with proof of delivery; (2) fail, before furnishing 2 copies of the "Notice of Cancellation" to the consumer, to 3 complete both copies by entering the name of the seller, the 4 address of the seller's place of business, the seller's 5 telephone number, the date of the mailing, and the date, not 6 earlier than the 45th business day following the date of the 7 mailing, by which the consumer may give notice of 8 cancellation; (3) include in any contract or receipt any 9 confession of judgment or any waiver of any of the rights to 10 which the consumer is entitled under this Section including 11 specifically his right to cancel the sale in accordance with 12 the provisions of this Section; (4) misrepresent in any manner 13 the consumer's right to cancel; (5) use any undue influence, 14 coercion, or any other wilful act or representation to 15 interfere with the consumer's exercise of his rights under 16 this Section; (6) fail or refuse to honor any valid notice of 17 cancellation and return of merchandise by a consumer and, 18 within 10 business days after the receipt of such notice and 19 merchandise pertaining to such transaction, to (i) refund 20 payments made under the contract or sale, (ii) return any 21 goods or property traded in, in substantially as good 22 condition as when received by the person, (iii) cancel and 23 return any negotiable instrument executed by the consumer in 24 connection with the contract or sale and take any action 25 necessary or appropriate to terminate promptly any security 26 interest created in the transaction; (7) negotiate, transfer, SB2615 - 29 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 30 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 30 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 30 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 sell, or assign any note or other evidence of indebtedness to a 2 finance company or other third party prior to the 50th 3 business day following the day of the mailing; or (8) fail to 4 provide the consumer of a hearing instrument with written 5 information stating the name, address, and telephone number of 6 the Department and informing the consumer that complaints 7 regarding hearing instrument goods or services may be made to 8 the Department. 9 (h) The organization employs only licensed hearing 10 instrument dispensers in the dispensing of hearing instruments 11 and files with the Department, by January 1 of each year, a 12 list of all licensed hearing instrument dispensers employed by 13 it. 14 (Source: P.A. 98-362, eff. 8-16-13; 98-827, eff. 1-1-15.) 15 (Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-495) 16 (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026) 17 Sec. 6. Mail order and Internet sales. Nothing in this Act 18 shall prohibit a corporation, partnership, trust, association, 19 or other organization, maintaining an established business 20 address, from engaging in the business of selling or offering 21 for sale hearing aids at retail by mail or by Internet to 22 persons 18 years of age or older who have not been examined by 23 a licensed physician or tested by a licensed hearing 24 instrument professional provided that: 25 (a) The organization is registered by the Department prior SB2615 - 30 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 31 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 31 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 31 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 to engaging in business in this State and has paid the fee set 2 forth in this Act. 3 (b) The organization files with the Department, prior to 4 registration and annually thereafter, a Disclosure Statement 5 containing the following: 6 (1) the name under which the organization is doing or 7 intends to do business and the name of any affiliated 8 company which the organization recommends or will 9 recommend to persons as a supplier of goods or services or 10 in connection with other business transactions of the 11 organization; 12 (2) the organization's principal business address and 13 the name and address of its agent in this State authorized 14 to receive service of process; 15 (3) the business form of the organization, whether 16 corporate, partnership, or otherwise and the state or 17 other sovereign power under which the organization is 18 organized; 19 (4) the names of the directors or persons performing 20 similar functions and names and addresses of the chief 21 executive officer, and the financial, accounting, sales, 22 and other principal executive officers, if the 23 organization is a corporation, association, or other 24 similar entity; of all general partners, if the 25 organization is a partnership; and of the owner, if the 26 organization is a sole proprietorship, together with a SB2615 - 31 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 32 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 32 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 32 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 statement of the business background during the past 5 2 years for each such person; 3 (5) a statement as to whether the organization or any 4 person identified in the disclosure statement: 5 (i) has during the 5-year period immediately 6 preceding the date of the disclosure statement been 7 convicted of a felony, pleaded nolo contendere to a 8 felony charge, or been held liable in a civil action by 9 final judgment, if such felony or civil action 10 involved fraud, embezzlement, or misappropriation of 11 property, and a description thereof; or 12 (ii) is subject to any currently effective 13 injunctive or restrictive order as a result of a 14 proceeding or pending action brought by any government 15 agency or department, and a description thereof; or 16 (iii) is a defendant in any pending criminal or 17 material civil action relating to fraud, embezzlement, 18 misappropriation of property or violations of the 19 antitrust or trade regulation laws of the United 20 States or any state, and a description thereof; or 21 (iv) has during the 5-year period immediately 22 preceding the date of the disclosure statement had 23 entered against such person or organization a final 24 judgment in any material civil proceeding, and a 25 description thereof; or 26 (v) has during the 5-year period immediately SB2615 - 32 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 33 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 33 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 33 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 preceding the date of the disclosure statement been 2 adjudicated a bankrupt or reorganized due to 3 insolvency or was a principal executive officer or 4 general partner of any company that has been 5 adjudicated a bankrupt or reorganized due to 6 insolvency during such 5-year period, and a 7 description thereof; 8 (6) the length of time the organization and any 9 predecessor of the organization has conducted a business 10 dealing with hearing aid goods or services; 11 (7) a financial statement of the organization as of 12 the close of the most recent fiscal year of the 13 organization. If the financial statement is filed later 14 than 120 days following the close of the fiscal year of the 15 organization it must be accompanied by a statement of the 16 organization of any material changes in the financial 17 condition of the organization; 18 (8) a general description of the business, including 19 without limitation a description of the goods, training 20 programs, supervision, advertising, promotion and other 21 services provided by the organization; 22 (9) a statement of any compensation or other benefit 23 given or promised to a public figure arising, in whole or 24 in part, from (i) the use of the public figure in the name 25 or symbol of the organization or (ii) the endorsement or 26 recommendation of the organization by the public figure in SB2615 - 33 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 34 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 34 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 34 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 advertisements; 2 (10) a statement setting forth such additional 3 information and such comments and explanations relative to 4 the information contained in the disclosure statement as 5 the organization may desire to present. 6 (b-5) If a device being sold does not meet the definition 7 of an over-the-counter hearing aid or a prescription hearing 8 aid, as stated in this Act, the organization shall include a 9 disclaimer in all written or electronic promotions. The 10 disclaimer shall include the following language: 11 "This is not a hearing instrument or hearing aid as 12 defined in the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act, 13 but a personal sound amplification product and not 14 intended to replace a properly fitted and calibrated 15 hearing aid or treat hearing loss.". 16 (c) The organization files with the Department prior to 17 registration and annually thereafter a statement that it 18 complies with the Act, the rules issued pursuant to it, and the 19 regulations of the Federal Food and Drug Administration and 20 the Federal Trade Commission insofar as they are applicable. 21 (d) The organization files with the Department at the time 22 of registration an irrevocable consent to service of process 23 authorizing the Department and any of its successors to be 24 served any notice, process, or pleading in any action or 25 proceeding against the organization arising out of or in 26 connection with any violation of this Act. Such service shall SB2615 - 34 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 35 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 35 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 35 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 have the effect of conferring personal jurisdiction over such 2 organization in any court of competent jurisdiction. 3 (e) Before dispensing a hearing aid by mail or over the 4 Internet to a resident of this State, the organization informs 5 (i) the parent or guardian of a person age 17 or younger that 6 he or she must obtain a prescription issued by a licensed 7 audiologist or licensed physician that meets the requirements 8 of Section 4.5 or (ii) a person age 18 or older that he or she 9 must obtain a prescription issued by a hearing instrument 10 professional that meets the requirements of Section 4.6. 11 (f) (Blank).: 12 (g) Where a sale, lease, or rental of prescription hearing 13 aids are sold or contracted to be sold to a consumer by mail 14 order or via the Internet, the consumer may void the contract 15 or sale by notifying the seller within 45 business days 16 following that day on which the hearing aids were mailed by the 17 seller to the consumer and by returning to the seller in its 18 original condition any hearing aids delivered to the consumer 19 under the contract or sale. At the time the hearing aid is 20 mailed, the seller shall furnish the consumer with a fully 21 completed receipt or copy of any contract pertaining to the 22 sale that contains a "Notice of Cancellation" informing the 23 consumer that he or she may cancel the sale at any time within 24 45 business days and disclosing the date of the mailing and the 25 name, address, and telephone number of the seller. In 26 immediate proximity to the space reserved in the contract for SB2615 - 35 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 36 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 36 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 36 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 the signature of the consumer, or on the front page of the 2 receipt if a contract is not used, and in bold face type of a 3 minimum size of 10 points, there shall be a statement in 4 substantially the following form: 5 "You, the buyer, may cancel this transaction at any 6 time prior to midnight of the 45th business day after the 7 date of this transaction. See the attached notice of 8 cancellation form for an explanation of this right." 9 Attached to the receipt or contract shall be a completed 10 form in duplicate, captioned "NOTICE OF CANCELLATION" which 11 shall be easily detachable and which shall contain in at least 12 10 point bold face type the following information and 13 statements in the same language as that used in the contract: 14 "NOTICE OF CANCELLATION 15 enter date of transaction 16 ......................... 17 (DATE) 18 YOU MAY CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION, WITHOUT ANY PENALTY OR 19 OBLIGATION, WITHIN 45 BUSINESS DAYS FROM THE ABOVE DATE. 20 IF YOU CANCEL, ANY PROPERTY TRADED IN, ANY PAYMENTS MADE 21 BY YOU UNDER THE CONTRACT OR SALE LESS ANY NONREFUNDABLE 22 RESTOCKING FEE, AND ANY NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENT EXECUTED BY YOU 23 WILL BE RETURNED WITHIN 10 BUSINESS DAYS FOLLOWING RECEIPT BY 24 THE SELLER OF YOUR CANCELLATION NOTICE AND ALL MERCHANDISE 25 PERTAINING TO THIS TRANSACTION, AND ANY SECURITY INTEREST 26 ARISING OUT OF THE TRANSACTION WILL BE CANCELLED. SB2615 - 36 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 37 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 37 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 37 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 IF YOU CANCEL, YOU MUST RETURN TO THE SELLER, IN 2 SUBSTANTIALLY AS GOOD CONDITION AS WHEN RECEIVED, ANY GOODS 3 DELIVERED TO YOU UNDER THIS CONTRACT OR SALE. 4 TO CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION, MAIL OR DELIVER A SIGNED 5 AND DATED COPY OF THIS CANCELLATION NOTICE OR ANY OTHER 6 WRITTEN NOTICE, OR SEND A TELEGRAM, TO (name of seller), 7 AT (address of seller's place of business) AND (seller's 8 telephone number) NO LATER THAN MIDNIGHT OF 9 ...........(date). 10 I HEREBY CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION. 11 (Date)............ 12 .................. 13 (Buyers Signature)" 14 The written "Notice of Cancellation" may be sent by the 15 consumer to the seller to cancel the contract. The 45-day 16 period does not commence until the consumer is furnished the 17 Notice of Cancellation and the address and phone number at 18 which such notice to the seller can be given. 19 If the conditions of this Section are met, the seller must 20 return to the consumer the amount of any payment made or 21 consideration given under the contract or for the merchandise 22 less a nonrefundable restocking fee. 23 It is an unlawful practice for a seller to: (1) hold a 24 consumer responsible for any liability or obligation under any 25 mail order transaction if the consumer claims not to have 26 received the merchandise unless the merchandise was sent by SB2615 - 37 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 38 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 38 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 38 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 certified mail or other delivery method by which the seller is 2 provided with proof of delivery; (2) fail, before furnishing 3 copies of the "Notice of Cancellation" to the consumer, to 4 complete both copies by entering the name of the seller, the 5 address of the seller's place of business, the seller's 6 telephone number, the date of the mailing, and the date, not 7 earlier than the 45th business day following the date of the 8 mailing, by which the consumer may give notice of 9 cancellation; (3) include in any contract or receipt any 10 confession of judgment or any waiver of any of the rights to 11 which the consumer is entitled under this Section including 12 specifically his right to cancel the sale in accordance with 13 the provisions of this Section; (4) misrepresent in any manner 14 the consumer's right to cancel; (5) use any undue influence, 15 coercion, or any other wilful act or representation to 16 interfere with the consumer's exercise of his rights under 17 this Section; (6) fail or refuse to honor any valid notice of 18 cancellation and return of merchandise by a consumer and, 19 within 10 business days after the receipt of such notice and 20 merchandise pertaining to such transaction, to (i) refund 21 payments made under the contract or sale, (ii) return any 22 goods or property traded in, in substantially as good 23 condition as when received by the person, (iii) cancel and 24 return any negotiable instrument executed by the consumer in 25 connection with the contract or sale and take any action 26 necessary or appropriate to terminate promptly any security SB2615 - 38 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 39 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 39 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 39 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 interest created in the transaction; (7) negotiate, transfer, 2 sell, or assign any note or other evidence of indebtedness to a 3 finance company or other third party prior to the 50th 4 business day following the day of the mailing; or (8) fail to 5 provide the consumer of a hearing aid with written information 6 stating the name, address, and telephone number of the 7 Department and informing the consumer that complaints 8 regarding hearing aid goods or services may be made to the 9 Department. 10 (h) The organization employs only licensed hearing 11 instrument professionals in the dispensing of hearing aids and 12 files with the Department, by January 1 of each year, a list of 13 all licensed hearing instrument professionals employed by it. 14 (Source: P.A. 103-495, eff. 1-1-24.) 15 (225 ILCS 50/9) (from Ch. 111, par. 7409) 16 (Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-495) 17 (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026) 18 Sec. 9. Areas of examination. The examination required by 19 Section 8 shall be set forth by rule and demonstrate the 20 applicant's technical qualifications by: 21 (a) Tests of knowledge in the following areas as they 22 pertain to the testing, selecting, recommending, fitting, 23 and selling of hearing instruments: 24 (1) characteristics of sound; 25 (2) the nature of the ear; and SB2615 - 39 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 40 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 40 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 40 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 (3) the function and maintenance of hearing 2 instruments. 3 (b) Practical tests of proficiency in techniques as 4 they pertain to the fitting of hearing instruments shall 5 be prescribed by the Department, set forth by rule, and 6 include candidate qualifications in the following areas: 7 (1) pure tone audiometry including air conduction 8 testing and bone conduction testing; 9 (2) live voice or recorded voice speech 10 audiometry, including speech reception, threshold 11 testing and speech discrimination testing; 12 (3) masking; 13 (4) proper selection and adaptation of a hearing 14 instrument; 15 (5) taking earmold impressions; 16 (6) proper maintenance procedures; and 17 (7) a general knowledge of the medical and 18 physical contra-indications to the use and fitting of 19 a hearing instrument. 20 (c) Knowledge of the general medical and hearing 21 rehabilitation facilities in the area being served. 22 (d) Knowledge of the provisions of this Act and the 23 rules promulgated hereunder. 24 (Source: P.A. 96-683, eff. 1-1-10.) 25 (Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-495) SB2615 - 40 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 41 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 41 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 41 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026) 2 Sec. 9. Areas of examination. The examination required by 3 Section 8 shall be set forth by rule and demonstrate the 4 applicant's technical qualifications by: 5 (a) Tests of knowledge in the following areas as they 6 pertain to the testing, selecting, recommending, fitting, 7 and selling of hearing aids: 8 (1) characteristics of sound; 9 (2) the nature of the ear; and 10 (3) the function and maintenance of hearing aids. 11 (b) Practical tests of proficiency in techniques as 12 they pertain to the fitting of hearing aids shall be 13 prescribed by the Department, set forth by rule, and 14 include candidate qualifications in the following areas: 15 (1) pure-tone pure tone audiometry including air 16 conduction testing and bone conduction testing; 17 (2) live voice or recorded voice speech 18 audiometry, including speech reception, threshold 19 testing and speech discrimination testing; 20 (3) masking; 21 (4) proper selection and adaptation of a hearing 22 instrument; 23 (5) taking earmold impressions; 24 (6) proper maintenance procedures; and 25 (7) a general knowledge of the medical and 26 physical contra-indications to the use and fitting of SB2615 - 41 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615- 42 -LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 42 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b SB2615 - 42 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b 1 a hearing aid aids. 2 (c) Knowledge of the general medical and hearing 3 rehabilitation facilities in the area being served. 4 (d) Knowledge of the provisions of this Act and the 5 rules promulgated hereunder. 6 (Source: P.A. 103-495, eff. 1-1-24.) 7 Section 95. No acceleration or delay. Where this Act makes 8 changes in a statute that is represented in this Act by text 9 that is not yet or no longer in effect (for example, a Section 10 represented by multiple versions), the use of that text does 11 not accelerate or delay the taking effect of (i) the changes 12 made by this Act or (ii) provisions derived from any other 13 Public Act. SB2615 - 42 - LRB103 34891 MXP 64758 b